Difference between the absolute thermodynamic temperature scale and ITS-90

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the differences between the absolute thermodynamic temperature scale and the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). It aims to clarify conceptual distinctions rather than numerical differences, emphasizing the theoretical and practical aspects of each scale.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the conceptual differences between the absolute thermodynamic temperature scale and ITS-90.
  • One participant notes that ITS-90 serves as a calibration standard for the thermodynamic temperature scale, rather than being a temperature scale itself.
  • Another participant explains that ITS-90 is a practical temperature scale defined by real laboratory devices, while the thermodynamic temperature scale is described as an ideal scale based on thermodynamic laws, requiring devices that do not exist in practice, such as ideal gases or Carnot engines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between the practical and ideal nature of the two temperature scales, but the discussion does not resolve all aspects of their differences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into specific mathematical formulations or detailed definitions, leaving some assumptions and implications unaddressed.

Ronalds
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Homework Statement


What is the difference between the absolute thermodynamic temperature scale and the practical temperature scale: ITS-90?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Do you want to know the conceptual difference between the two scales, or do you want to calculate the (numerical) difference between them?
 
I wanted to know the conceptual difference between the two scales. Is there anything else except that ITS-90 is a calibration standard for the thermodynamic temperature scale, not a scale itself? Could you please tell in your own words, without any links to bunch of information. Would really appreciate it!
 
ITS-90 is a "practical" temperature scale, defined in terms of real devices that you can use in a laboratory. Thermodynamic temperature is an "ideal" scale, defined using the laws of thermodynamics. In order to make measurements using it, you would need to use devices that don't exist in practice, e.g. ideal gases or Carnot engines.
 

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